About Future Forms

Future Forms is attempting to document the best in industrial design as it relates to consumer electronics. There is definitely more attention paid to design today but these past products deserve more credit than they are given. I feel these designs were ahead of their time and still hold up today. My hope is that by making this site open to contributions, we can learn more about both the products and the individuals that made them.

Brands

Unisonic made a variety of inexpensive electronic products in the late 80s and early 90s. Calculators, clear telephones, watches and stereo equipment. I’ve showcased a few items in my collection but what I found really bizarre doing a deeper dive today was their line of UniFoam telephones. They came in a bunch of sports and […]

Looking for a beautiful timer to complement your kitchen? Here’s some minimalist kitchen timers that can be easily found on the market today. These draw from some of the classic hand crank designs from the past – but they have an affordable price point. Zone Denmark Com Zone makes a variety of simple, clean and […]

For the first time, anyone can now make quality records at home with just the push of a button. Check out this kickstarter campaign for the Phonocut Home Vinyl Recorder. It will run you 1500 Euros but imagine the possibilities.

A puzzle at first to all, it will continue to delight after you learn how to tell time with colors on this playful, original creation. Handmade in Cotati, California USA by horologist, Barry Gamble. For those who don’t know, Barry Gamble designed the Aurora Clock and Prisma Clock amongst many others. The Time Cubed clock […]

The classic mid-century clock gets an update with a broader spectrum of colors and a lower voltage LED backlight that adjusts to the brightness in the room. The original version had problems with the heat from the lamp melting the colored lens. Unfortunately, this upgrade comes with a hefty high price tag of $699. Buy from MOMA.